Why Not Leave Your Church?

by Marcel Schwantes

The pastor preaches about generosity in living, and you're battling selfishness. A small group studies moral purity, and you're crossing sexual boundaries. A Sabbath school leader teaches on integrity in the workplace, and you're taking shortcuts. Hearing all of this, you're about to bolt from your congregation. But hold on. Your discomfort is no reason to leave your church; it's actually a good reason to stay. Don't go looking for a church or a pastor that lowers Biblical standards just to make people feel comfortable. 


You've been caught in a sin. You'll be tempted to run away and start fresh in a church where no one knows about it. Yet God often wants a person in this situation to stay right where he is and let his church family love him and help him through this difficult time. A healthy community of faith can keep you accountable, ask tough questions, mentor and pray for you.

You've had a conflict with someone. When tensions have flared, hard words exchanged, and feelings hurt, you might think about leaving to avoid the difficult person(s), or the difficult process of reconciliation (the preferred choice, but not always the easiest). Usually the wisest choice is to stay and work through a process of relational healing. Otherwise, you might find you have to leave a whole series of churches.

When you've sinned, are you committed to coming clean and trusting the body of Christ to restore you? Or are you taking the easy way out, and leaving....

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Marcel Schwantes is a professional certified Coach, Trainer and Speaker. He coaches and trains individuals, groups and organizations across the country in the areas of leadership development, performance improvement, communications and relationships. He can be reached at www.marcelcoaching.com